Image Credit - Mirror

The 23-year-old was assaulted just 20 minutes before Saturday's race in Caen

Image Credit - Mirror

Wilfried Happio became French 400m hurdles champion in dramatic fashion 

Image Credit - Mirror

The Parisian was reportedly left 'coughing up blood' moments before the race 

Image Credit - Mirror

But Happio declared himself fit and won the race in a personal best time of 48.57 

Image Credit - Mirror

Wilfried Happio has sensationally won the French 400m hurdles championship 

Image Credit - Mirror

French athlete Happio, set to compete in the national meet in Caen on Saturday evening, was warming up when he was attacked.

Image Credit - Mirror

The individual incredibly got past security and violently assaulted the 23-year-old track star, landing several punches to the face.

Image Credit - Mirror

Olivier Vallaeys, the athlete's coach, was forced to step in to block the attacker, before police eventually arrested them.

Image Credit - Mirror

He said after the race: I don't want to dwell on it. We'll leave that to the competent people. 

Image Credit - Mirror

To talk about the race, we worked a lot, we redid the music and that's it.